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10 winemakers and 10 successful wines on stage

Sustainable products and China market are the two themes of the cycle of tastings to be held during the International Wine Forum. See below some data about these two niches, Argentina’s focus of attention.

This year, the “Foro Internacional Vitivinícola” (International Wine Forum) includes a “cycle of tastings” based on two themes: Sustainable Wines and Successful Wines in China. This activity will take place on Tuesday September 18 at Bodegas Los Toneles, Mendoza, Argentina. The first thematic tasting will count on the participation of the following wineries: Ojo de Vino, Caligiore, La Riojana, Krontiras, and Dinamia. The second one will include wines from Valle de la Puerta, Catena Zapata, Finca Sophenia, Del Fin del Mundo, and Domaine Bousquet.

WineSur, organizer of this cycle, chose these two topics as they are the point on which different Argentine wineries are focusing their attention.

Argentina has 55 wineries under organic process

The province of Mendoza houses 38 of these wineries, San Juan 8 and the rest are located in Salta (3), Rio Negro (3), Catamarca (2), and La Rioja (1). Of the total area undergoing organic process intended for industrial cultivation in Argentina during 2010, 29% (4,144 ha) are grapevines. Mendoza was at the forefront with 2,251 hectares, followed by San Juan (1,013 ha) and La Rioja (493 ha). The surface of organic grape harvested amounted to 4,048 ha. Throughout the 2000-2010 period, organic wine exports grew by 6,733%, going from 74,255 liters to 4,999,767 liters.

The leading buyers of Argentine organic wine were Sweden, Germany and United Kingdom, with 1,074,448; 802,475; and 425,535 liters respectively. The second destination registering the highest purchase volume in that year was United States, reaching the amount of 779,161 liters. Canada received 335,126 liters. Requested by the most demanding international markets due to the recognition of their high quality, Argentine organic wines have undoubtedly good prospects, so developing their supply is an excellent opportunity for wineries.

It is worthy to stress that Argentina is regarded as one of the world’s top organic wine producers. “In 2011, organic wine exports experienced a 19% boost, compared with 2010. The exported volume garnered 5,967,172 liters, of which 69.9% were destined to the European Union and 12% to the United States. In 2011, organic grape must exports reached 150,402 kg, of which 89% were exported to the European Union “. This data was provided by the Argentine Department of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Food, based on SENASA.

On the basis of this growth and positioning, related to quality, the tastings are aimed at learning more thoroughly about these wines, their profiles, export destinations, as well as their special features that make them successful. Furthermore, it should be taken in mind that the “green wave” is a growing trend worldwide. Consumers are looking to protect the environment, and when buying a product they choose more and more sustainable wines.

China, growing in leaps and bounds

China is one of the countries experiencing the fastest growing consumption in the past few years. Therefore, the conquest of Chinese shelves is one of the aims of the world’s leading wine producers, and Argentina is not the exception. During the period from January to June 2012, 190,136 9-liter cases were sent to this Asian market, reporting a 30% growth in volume. Moreover, in this period, the turnover obtained was USD 7,547,893 FOB, with a 49.7% boost, compared with the same period of last year. Likewise, the average price of Argentine wines also rose, going from USD 34.50 to USD 39.70.

In addition, it is believed that wine consumption in China will increased by 87% in 2015, becoming the world’s fifth wine market by volume, exceeding a total consumption of 2,168 million liters, according to VINEXPO Asia-Pacífico’s forecast.

This Chinese market trend contrasts with the evolution of other more established enclaves. While an 87% growth is expected in the Asian country, the leading destinations of the global wine consumption ranking will enjoy more moderate boosts (12% in the case of United States, reaching the top position, and Germany 10%), or even they will lose their position (like Italy that will lose its first place, or France).

Furthermore, it is expected that during 2015, China will become the world’s second wine importer in value, behind the United Kingdom. All these data reveal that this country is one of the most promising markets for Argentina. For this reason, the cycle of tastings will offer those wines reporting the larger volumes sent to this market as well as the best-developed ones.